ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 16

The Specificity of Electron Impact Mass Spectroscopy for the Identification of N-Ethyl-1-Phenylcyclohexylamine (PCE)
Clark, CC
Forensic chemist, Drug Enforcement Administration, FL

(Received 5 July 1986; accepted 26 August 1986)

Abstract

The electron impact mass spectrum of N-ethyl-1-phenylcyclohexylamine (PCE) was studied using both deuterium-labeled compounds and structurally related analogs. The deuterium-labeled compounds used were d² · PCE with two deuterium atoms on the methylene carbon of the N-ethyl group, d³ · PCE with three deuterium atoms on the methyl carbon of the N-ethyl group, d⁴ · PCE with four deuterium atoms on the β carbons of the cyclohexyl rings, and d⁵ · PCE with five deuterium atoms on the phenyl ring. Structurally related compounds used included the N,N-dimethyl, N-propyl, and cyclopentyl analogs. The identities of some major fragments and possible pathways leading to their formation are shown. Electron impact mass spectroscopy is shown to be a definitive test for the identification of PCE.

Keywords:
toxicology, N-ethyl-1-phenylcyclohexylamine (PCE), spectroscopic analysis

Paper ID: JFS12403J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS12403J
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.